Obama’s statement on elections: read the full message

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama released a statement on Wednesday regarding the 2024 elections.

president-elect Donald Trump stormed to an election victory on Tuesday, with at least 292 Electoral College votes. This figure is expected to rise as the Associated Press reports that Trump also leads in the swing states of Michigan, Nevada and Arizona, and is also on track to win the popular vote for the first time.

What did the statement say?

After Trump’s victory for vice president Kamala Harristhe Democratic presidential candidate, the Obamas shared a joint statement in a social media post on Wednesday evening.

Here is the full joint statement previously posted to Barack Obama’s account on X Tweet:

“Over the past few weeks and throughout Election Day, millions of Americans have cast their votes – not just for the president, but for leaders at every level. Now the results are in and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator (JD) Vance on their victory.

“This is clearly not the outcome we had hoped for, given our deep differences with the government Republican ticket for a whole range of issues. But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our position will not always win, and about being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.

“Michelle and I couldn’t be more proud of Vice President Harris and Governor (Tim) Walz – two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign. And we will always be grateful to the staff and volunteers who poured their hearts and souls into electing officials. what they really believed in.

“As I said on the campaign trail, America has been through a lot in recent years – from a historic pandemic and price increases due to the pandemic, to rapid change and the feeling that many people are having, no matter how difficult. they work, treading water is the best they can do. These circumstances have created headwinds for democratic establishments around the world, and last night showed that America is not immune.

“The good news is that these problems are solvable – but only if we listen to each other, and only if we adhere to the fundamental constitutional principles and democratic norms that have made this country great.

‘In a country as large and diverse as ours, we will not always agree on everything. But progress requires that we show good faith and mercy, even to people with whom we deeply disagree. If we get this far, we will continue to build a country that is fairer and more just, more equal and more free.”

What did the Obamas say during the 2024 election?

The Obamas endorsed Harris for president in July, saying they would “do everything we can to ensure she wins in November.”

The former president made the announcement in a message to X: “Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her that we think she will make a great President of the United States, and that she has our full support. .”

Since the endorsement, both have continued to speak about the election — with the former president even joining a Harris meeting in Pittsburgh last month – the first time he campaigned for the Democratic candidate. The former president spoke on stage about a range of issues, including what a future under Harris’ administration would look like, while taking numerous jabs at Trump over his economic and immigration plans.

In the run-up to Tuesday’s elections, the Obamas also took aim at Trumpwho fired back on the campaign trail, including saying the former first lady was “annoying” against him after she criticized Trump at a rally in Michigan last month.

Newsweek On Wednesday, he reached out to Trump’s campaign via email for comment.